Slatington driver facing charges

A Slatington driver is facing multiple charges following an incident in Nesquehoning.

Borough police identified the suspect as Sula Blaze Sabwa, 36, of 122 Hill St. He has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or a controlled substance, resisting arrest, persistent disorderly conduct, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault (two counts), aggravated assault and summary offense of maximum speed limits – 50.6 miles-per-hour in a 25 zone.

Arresting officer Robert Blisard reported the following.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, about 10:31 p.m. he was monitoring traffic along E. Catawissa Street for speed when he observed a maroon in color minivan traveling eastbound. Blissard clocked he vehicle going 50.6 in the 25 zone.

Blisard conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Sabwa. Sabwa could not supply vehicle registration and insurance information for the vehicle. Blisard also detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Sabwa. Blisard also noticed four children were passengers in the vehicle.

Sabwa was asked to and failed field sobriety tests. Blisard placed him under arrest and attempted to handcuff him. Sabwa resisted, Blisard said. With the assistance of Officer Thomas Kurtz, Sabwa was taken to the ground. During the attempt to arrest Sabwa, the suspect kicked the officers and continued to struggle. Both officers and the suspect sustained bruising, cuts and abrasions. Kurtz also suffered an injury to his left big toe.

Sabwa was taken to St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, for a blood test. Sabwa was then arraigned before on-call District Judge Bruce Appleton, of Palmerton, with bail set at $20,000 percentage.